New Device May Monitor Muscle Energy Production

A recently filed patent application suggests a groundbreaking device that could track the energy produced by an individual’s skeletal muscles.

The current perception of earbuds as just tools for calls or music might be changing, particularly if specific advancements come to fruition. It’s possible that these headphones could soon be equipped to collect complex biometric data from the user.

Interestingly, a patent application titled “Biological Signal Sensing Device Using Dynamic Selection of Electrodes” has been uncovered, submitted by Apple Inc. back in January 2023, although it remains pending.

These earbuds, visually similar to Apple AirPods, are classified as “wearable electronic devices” like earphones or wired headsets. They are designed to “measure biosignals of the user,” which encompasses a range of metrics such as electroencephalography (EEG), electrooculography (EOG), electromyography (EMG), electrocardiogram (ECG), blood volume pulse, and galvanic skin response.

A closer look at these measurements reveals some pretty intrusive terms, doesn’t it? For instance, EEG examines brain electrical signals and neuron communication. The patent even states that these earphones could be used to gauge brain activity through EEG.

Then it gets more complex. EOG is used for monitoring eye movements through the body’s tiny electrical output, indicating how our eyes are moving based on produced millivolts. Furthermore, the device aims to assess heart activity with ECG and monitor heart rate via blood volume pulse measurement.

There’s also EMG, which checks the health of skeletal muscles and their controlling nerves. In this scenario, it would track the electrical activity generated by the user’s muscles.

Galvanic skin response gauges how sweat glands respond, revealing the autonomic nervous system’s influence as it measures the conductivity of the skin. Oddly enough, the patent notes that this device could include “more electrodes than necessary” to ensure accurate measurements based on how it is worn, dynamically switching the electrodes in use.

As it stands, the patent doesn’t specify a clear end goal. It primarily aims to monitor brain activity and various biological signals as alternatives to traditional scalp electrodes. What those signals might be used for, though—well, that’s open to interpretation.